The Dodo Archive

'Unconscionable Cruelty' Against America's Circus Animals Could Come To An End

The Ringling Bros. elephants are far from the only animals suffering in circuses around the country, and momentum from the company's decision to retire its biggest stars could soon mean good news for these other animals as well.

"To maximize profit, traveling exhibitions use grueling itineraries that force all of their animals to endure cramped living quarters, limited social interaction and perpetual stress," Leach said in a statement. "Circuses hide this suffering from audiences, who witness only the power and grace of these magnificent animals. The secret is out. The public will not tolerate this unconscionable cruelty any longer."

Change is also afoot in New York, where state assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-Scarsdale) introduced a bill in January banning the use of exotic animals by traveling circuses. The Ringling Bros. decision spurred fellow assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan) to call on the state to institute a ban on all circus animals.

"The time when animal issues were considered silly or unserious has passed, and people have finally recognized that these are important issues that both state and federal bodies have a responsibility to address," Rosenthal said in a statement.

Massachusetts state politicians Rep. Lori Erlich (D-Marblehead) and Sen. Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth) also released statements praising Ringling Bros. for the decision. Erlich and Hedlund have sponsored proposed bans on bullhook use in the past.

While these steps are small, they indicate that the momentum from Ringling Bros.' announcement - and the overwhelmingly positive response it received - could pave the way for more happy changes in the future.